Wednesday

Jun 12, 2019 at 9:34 AM

Jon Stewart, former host of "The Daily Show" and a longtime supporter of 9/11 victims and first responders, testified in front of a House committee this week regarding the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, which is set to expire next year.

"As I sit here today, I can't help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process that getting healthcare and benefits for 9/11 first responders has come to. Behind me, a filled room of 9/11 first responders and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress," Stewart said. "Sick and dying, they brought themselves down here to speak — to no one. Shameful. It's an embarrassment to the country and it's a stain on this institution. And you should be ashamed of yourselves for those that aren't here but you won't be, because accountability doesn't appear to be something that occurs in this chamber."

WATCH: Jon Stewart&#39;s full statement before House cmte., demanding additional funding for 9/11 victim compensation fund, which is set to expire next year.

&quot;Your indifference cost these men and women their most valuable commodity: Time! It&#39;s the one thing they&#39;re running out of.&quot;pic.twitter.com/h0399gSIky

&mdash; NBC News (@NBCNews)June 11, 2019

Earlier this year, officials announced the fund was running out of money and future payments would be cut 50 to 70 percent. People will not be allowed to submit claims after December 2020.

At times tearful, Stewart referenced by name some of the first responders who suffered illnesses related to 9/11 and referred to the crowd of responders who sat behind him in the chamber.

"I apologize if I sound angry and undiplomatic," Stewart said. "But I'm angry, and you should be, too."